While there was the typical exodus from the Taunton area down to Cape Cod, many city residents hung around and enjoyed a Memorial Day weekend “stay-cation” back in the Silver City.

Several residents were at Watson Pond in Taunton to enjoy part of the extended weekend, which is often thought of as a symbolic kick-off to summertime, while serving as a holiday to pay thanks to veterans.

“It’s a great place to go, and it’s a nice weekend for it,” said Evette Watson, having a birthday party for her granddaughter at Watson Pond, where many children were swimming on Saturday. “Our family always comes here. We’ve been coming for 40 years.”

Watson was cooking up hotdogs, linguica and hamburgers for a whole crew of friends and family.

“It’s like a mini-vacation here,” said Marcus Barros, of Taunton, who stood nearby, checking out the progress of the meats on the grill.

Bernie Gumbon, of Taunton, said that it’s great to have a summertime destination near home.

“It’s the coolest of all cools,” Gumbon joked. “We got good food, good company. Watson Pond is the place to be.”

Charlene Fitzgerald, who was at Watson Pond with family, said she brings her family all summer.

“Everyone can fish here, they can swim,” she said. “They love it. We have a lot of grandchildren. It’s very nice, and it’s close.”

Nearby, boaters were enjoying Lake Sabbatia while others fished from the shore.

“We’re catching a lot of sunfish out here,” said Tim Gonzalez, of Taunton, while casting his line. “But I’m looking for a catfish. I’m having a pretty good time.”